The Role of a Chemical Engineer

By Manrochem
schedule16th Feb 21

The role of a Chemical Engineer is to design manufacturing processes. They use principles of chemistry, thermodynamics, mathematics and physics to solve problems and design industrial processes to develop raw materials into products. 
 
All Chemical Engineers must first pass a rigorous set of academic requirements. Usually this involves 3 or more years of a BEng degree with an option to do a four-year course with an industrial placement. Many Chemical Engineers go on to complete Meng or PhD in their chosen field. 
 
However, passing your exams is only the beginning. Many young engineers struggle with applying theoretical knowledge to real life applications. Good chemical engineers always strive to refine their systems, improve them, and make them safer and more efficient. To be a good engineer, therefore, requires experience... years of it.

Many junior engineers seek supervision and technical expertise in the form of mentorship from senior engineers to guide them through the first few years of their career. Mentorship can also help navigate a route to chartership through affiliation with the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), the professional engineering body for Chemical Engineers. Membership with IChemE also help with continued professional development as they provide access to professional seminars, online courses and career advice.
 
With close affiliation with academic institutions, Manrochem have, on many occasions, provided industrial placements and work experience to many aspiring engineers. Manrochem have also supported young engineers during their time at University by sponsoring sports events, final year design projects and presenting at career fairs.   
 
A typical day of a Chemical Engineer at Manrochem usually involves process design work, site visits to gather information and meetings with clients and suppliers. Process design work often involves working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary group of engineers. At Manrochem, an engineering team can comprise of Mechanical, EC&I, Civil, Structural, AutoCAD, Project Managers as well as Chemical Engineers.
 
As an International Design house that specialises in Project and Construction Management, Chemical engineers at Manrochem work in a vast array of industries that include clients in the Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Oil & Gas, Environmental, Manufacturing and Food & Beverage industries, to name just a few.